M&S launches Christmas advert starring James Norton

Marks & Spencer launched its 2026 Christmas advert on Friday, November 6, with James Norton starring as Santa Claus who leaves the North Pole in disguise to experience the holiday himself. Lucy Punch plays Mrs Claus, and Katherine Jenkins appears on the campaign soundtrack. In the film, Mrs Claus encourages Santa to shave his beard, put aside his red suit and travel incognito. His journey takes him through festive activities including choosing gifts, decorating a home, dressing up and sharing food with family and friends. The story presents Christmas magic as something created in homes and shared traditions, rather than something found only at the North Pole. Jenkins performs a reimagined version of Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” Marks & Spencer said the recording was made for the campaign; the retailer’s campaign account also said it would be officially available to listeners after the advert launched. The retailer said the campaign brings its food, fashion, home and beauty divisions together under one Christmas campaign for the first time since 2017. The advert was posted on social media at 7 a.m. on November 6 and premiered on ITV’s This Morning later that...